How Environment Affects Your Skin

As they say, seeing is believing! But can men rely on this age-old adage? Not always! We don’t like to think that the environment in which we live is a dangerous place, yet, there are many unseen natural toxic substances that have the ability to wreak havoc on our skin.

Different types of environmental factors can have their own harmful effects on our skin and affects in damaging our appearance.

Thus, it’s important to be cognizant of the damage that environment can have on your skin. MensXP tells you all about it in-depth on this World Environment Day. Read on...

The Sun

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Sunrays have the potential to cause the maximum damage to your skin than any other environmental factor. Even a tan, or a sunburn indicates skin damage, which causes it to age prematurely. The UV rays from sun, destroy the building blocks of your skin - collagen and elastin, which causes wrinkling and sagging. It also makes skin rough and can over-stimulate pigment cells, causing brown spots or even worse - skin cancer. Hence, it is always advised to use wear sunscreen lotion with SPF 15 before going out in sun.

The Air

Image Credit: Thinkstock

Pollution is problematic for skin in more than one way. Air pollutants can affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture levels; the skin may therefore become dry and scaly. Dust can also clog pores and increase bacteria on the face resulting in acne. Pollution can actually cause reactions in skin that disturbs its self-regulatory system. In severe cases, it also causes dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) or eczema. It’s essential to wash your face twice everyday to remove dirt and grime, and hence to reduce the harmful effects of air pollution.

Cold Weather

Image Credit: baltimoresun (dot) com

Your skin tends to look best in humid climates because it actually draws moisture to the top layers from the air. Meanwhile, dry air can sap moisture from the skin leaving it flaky, rough and tight. With cold temperatures, it becomes more sensitiv and fragile. Cold air slows down blood circulation. As a result, the skin’s metabolism slows down and the cells get less oxygen. This condition cause premature aging. Also, going from one extreme temperature to another (for instance: from cold outdoors to a heated house), aggravates skin problems. Learn to keep your skin moisturised with the help of a good quality moisturiser. Also, drinking lots of water can keep your skin hydrated.

The Heat

Image Credit: msn (dot) com

If you can’t take the heat, then you should avoid it altogether. Skin exposure in hot climate can cause skin irritation. If you sweat, the perspiration could become trapped in the skin can lead to heat rash or blisters. You might take refuge in dry, cold air conditioned rooms which will give momentary relief but will take its toll on your skin. Cover up yourself completely in summers to avoid any such harmful effect. Bathe at least twice during summers to keep sweat at bay.

With all these irritants around, your skin works overtime to defend your body from their harmful effects. However, while it’s on guard duty, your skin is first in line for burns, rashes and diseases. We know you can’t avoid these environmental factors altogether but taking some preventive steps for the skin might solve the problem to some extent.